Examination of Group Counseling Program Sessions Based on Systemic Psychotherapy Approach in terms of Awareness of Participant towards Separation Individuation

Abstract

This research was prepared for the examination of group counseling program sessions based on systemic psychotherapy approach in terms of awareness of participant towards the separation individuation levels of the university students. The program was implemented to the students who voluntarily joined the groups in weekly sessions for ten weeks. Case study design was used for the research. Sessions were examined deeply. Qualitative findings obtained by analyzing the program were divided into four groups under the headings of separation anxiety, rejection expectancy, restriction anxiety and gains of the group members towards the sessions. Under the theme of separation anxiety eight sub-themes containing need for approval, begrudge / compatible to be a good boy, taking the role of parents / over take responsibility, too rigid or overly permeable borders, intermingling of feelings and thoughts / nesting of the relationship, dependency / enter to control of others, to be included in the triangle and not to take responsibility were obtained. Six sub-themes were obtained under the theme of rejection expectancy containing afraid of making mistakes, distrust offing themselves and others, feeling worthless, not to say no, exclusion, self-blame and feeling guilty. Three sub-themes was obtained under the theme of restriction anxiety including withdrawal/remain unresponsive, conflict and cutting off emotional relationship. Also group members’ awareness and gains were presented descriptively. This program would be helpful for the psychological counselors who work with individuals or families for the separation and individuation of their clients from their parents.